CALGARY – The University of Calgary Dinos women's volleyball squad is ready to rebound at home this weekend for a pair of games against the MacEwan University Griffins. First match is at 6 p.m. Friday, followed by a 4 p.m. game on Saturday at the Jack Simpson Gym.

RECAP
The Dinos are gearing up for their first win of the season, after dropping their last series to the Thompson Rivers WolfPack (0-3, 1-3). MacEwan is coming off a straight set sweep, losing to the Trinity Western Spartans on the road (0-3, 0-3).

BATTLE OF THE BLOCKERS
Veteran middle blockers will go head to head this weekend, as seasoned Dinos Beth Vinnell and Autumn Davidson take on Griffin seniors Haley Gilfillan and McKenna Stevenson in a battle at the net. In a position that rarely catalyzes offense, both Vinnell and Stevenson lead their teams in kills. 

PLAYOFF MINDSET
After falling short of playoffs by the narrowest margin in the Canada West conference, the Griffins are focused on clutching the program's first ever playoff appearance this season. MacEwan lost a heartbreaking three-way tiebreaker with Mount Royal and Manitoba for the final playoff spot in the 2018-19 season. 

COACH'S TAKE 
"This Dinos squad is talented and skilled, they are just finding their way as a unit. They are discovering how to work as a team, how to be successful, how to execute–all while under the pressure that comes with regular season match-ups in our very competitive Canada West conference. It is a challenging task but one I have confidence we will find a way to overcome. We will need to remain very process orientated from now until the end of the season, regardless of opponent." - Natalie Gurnsey, Dinos Head Coach

SCOUTING REPORT
vs MacEWAN GRIFFINS
Game Info Friday, Nov. 8 at 6 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 9 at 4 p.m. - Jack Simpson Gym
2018-19 Record 12-12, 7th in Canada West
Player to Watch Fifth-year middle blocker McKenna Stevenson led her team in both kills and blocks last season, bolstering an impressive 199 kills and 105 blocks. 

NOTES

• The two teams squared off in preseason, with the Dinos besting the Griffins in a five-set win. 
• The Griffins are 2-4 so far, with their lone wins against the Regina Cougars. 
• The Dinos and Griffins split their regular season contest last year in Edmonton, with Griffins upsetting the Dinos with a 3-2 win on the second day. The Griffins have come away with that sole victory in the last ten matchups.
• In the 2018-19 season, middle blocker Haley Gilfillan broke the school record for most service aces with 50. 

UP NEXT 
The Dinos women's volleyball squad will leave home for a doubleheader against the UBC Thunderbirds Nov. 15-16 at the War Memorial Gym.

-UC-